"This combination, which dramatically expands our global practice, ensures that Squire Sanders will keep stride with our clients, who we know need to stay a step ahead to take full advantage of opportunities and remain competitive in this era of rapid economic change," said James J. Maiwurm, Squire Sanders chair and global chief executive officer.

The combination talks between Squire Sanders and Hammonds were announced in August, and partners from each legacy firm overwhelmingly approved the combination in November.

Squire Sanders will be among the top 25 legal practices based on The American Lawyer's "2010 Global 100" and among the 15 largest US-based legal practices based on The National Law Journal's "NLJ 250."

The addition of legacy Hammonds lawyers gives Squire Sanders enhanced capability in all key practices relevant to complex and cross-border transactions and dispute resolution. Practices that double in strength include corporate transactions, finance and governance; labor and employment; litigation; and restructuring and insolvency. Other expanded practices include environmental, safety and health; EU regulatory; intellectual property; pensions; real estate; and taxation and benefits. Squire Sanders also adds significant industry experience in sectors such as banking and financial services, chemicals, energy and utilities, information technology, maritime, media and advertising, and sports and entertainment.

Squire Sanders' new global board includes eight legacy Squire Sanders partners and five legacy Hammonds partners, including former Hammonds Managing Partner Peter Crossley, who now is Squire Sanders' managing partner for Europe.

The practice will be known as Squire, Sanders & Dempsey in most markets around the globe and as Squire Sanders Hammonds in nine legacy Hammonds markets.

"We believe this combination is a catalyst for lasting positive change for us and for the clients we serve. We are off to a very strong start, in terms of both providing clients with expanded service in more key business markets and working as a united practice," added Crossley.

"This is a great day for Squire Sanders, and we look forward to teaming with our new colleagues to support our clients with consistently innovative and cost-effective legal counsel," Maiwurm said.

About Squire Sanders – Founded in 1890, Squire, Sanders & Dempsey has lawyers in 37 offices and 17 countries around the world and now includes the nearly 500 lawyers from leading UK legal practice Hammonds. With one of the strongest integrated global platforms and our longstanding "one-firm firm" philosophy, Squire Sanders provides seamless legal counsel worldwide.

Squire, Sanders & Dempsey refers to an international legal practice which operates worldwide through a number of separate legal entities. Please visit www.ssd.com for more information.